Module description
What is the module about?
Entrepreneurship comes in many forms from start-ups to developing new opportunities for value creation in established businesses. For the individual, entrepreneurship is empowering and fulfilling but can also be a stressful experience. For societies, entrepreneurship contributes to productivity, economic growth and innovation. At the same time, entrepreneurs have also introduced innovations to help address poverty and widen access to healthcare and education. Be it in business or in society at large, entrepreneurship is an important source of new ideas.
This course explores the psychology behind entrepreneurship and innovation. The topics include the personality of entrepreneurs and exploring whether entrepreneurs are born or made; how entrepreneurs make decisions about risk and manage uncertainty; what drives entrepreneurs and what ‘returns’ they can expect (in terms of income and well-being); what success means to entrepreneurs and what the ingredients are of an ‘entrepreneurial culture’. We will also reflect on how each one of us can act in an entrepreneurial manner and adopt an entrepreneurial leadership style.
The course examines the psychological underpinnings of the entrepreneurial process and innovative behaviours within established business. It is mindful of the diversity of entrepreneurial endeavours ranging from high-tech and digital entrepreneurs to social entrepreneurs that launch social innovations. Teaching includes as mix of lecture-based theory inputs, practical examples, interactive group-work, case study work and provides opportunities for students to self-reflect on their own entrepreneurial potential.
Who should do this module?
You should take this module if you are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the psychological side of entrepreneurship and innovation (see topics described above and listed below). Critically, you need to be willing to engage in in-class discussion and actively participate in group work. The module will be assessed through an unseen final exam (45%), an individual coursework assignment (45%) and a presentation (10%), which relies on active class participation and completion of class assignments (self-reflections).
Assessment details
45% Individual Coursework
45% Examination
10% Presentation
Teaching pattern
Weekly Lectures
Weekly Tutorials
Suggested reading list
Key text or background reading
There is no textbook associated with this module instead students are expected to complete weekly readings. Examples are the following articles:
- Frese, M., & Gielnik, M. M. (2014). The psychology of entrepreneurship. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 1, 413–438.
- Gorgievski, M. J., & Stephan, U. (2016). Advancing the Psychology of Entrepreneurship: A Review of the Psychological Literature and an Introduction. Applied Psychology, 65(3), 437–468.